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The ICBA Newsroom collects and centralizes all the NewsWatch Today articles, press releases, Main Street Matters blogs, advocacy letters and other news that impacts community bankers.

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Senators echo concerns with CDFI application change

Senate Banking Committee members Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) encouraged the Treasury Department to consider all comments responding to its proposal to revise Community Development Financial Institution certification application and reporting requirements.
January 23, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   CDFI Department of Treasury 

ICBA to Regulators: Apply Stricter Resolution Standards on Large Regional Banks

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today urged federal regulators to apply stricter regulatory standards on large regional banks.
January 23, 2023 | Press Release   Regulatory Relief 

ICBA urges CFPB to preempt state TILA law

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was incorrect in determining that the Truth in Lending Act does not preempt a recently enacted New York State disclosure law, ICBA said in a new comment letter.
January 23, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA, groups to CFPB: Seek input on review of credit card late fee safe harbor

ICBA and other groups called on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to comply with the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act as it considers reducing or eliminating the safe harbor fee that credit card issuers may charge to avoid scrutiny of their fees as unreasonable.
January 23, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance Credit Cards 

FHFA announces Fannie, Freddie fee updates

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will reduce their upfront fee for commingled securities to 9.375 basis points after announcing a 50-point fee last year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced.
January 20, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Secondary Mortgage Market Secondary Mortgage Market 

Regulators should rethink climate proposals: ICBA op-ed

While federal regulators are working to finalize climate risk proposals that purportedly target the nation's largest financial institutions, the proposals would inevitably subject community banks to new and expensive regulatory burdens, ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey wrote in a new op-ed.
January 20, 2023 | News   Climate 

Brainard: Fed ‘staying the course’ in tackling inflation

The Federal Reserve is “determined to stay the course” to address inflation and restore price stability, Fed Vice Chair Lael Brainard said.
January 20, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Inflation 

CFPB issues guidance on ‘negative option’ subscriptions

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a circular affirming that companies offering “negative option” subscription services must comply with federal consumer financial protection law.
January 20, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

FinCEN announces BSA penalty inflation adjustments

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network today is set to issue a final rule to reflect annual inflation adjustments to its civil monetary penalties as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990.
January 19, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

CFPB updates mortgage servicing exam procedures

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released updated mortgage servicing examination procedures for use by CFPB examiners.
January 19, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

What to expect at ICBA’s 2021 LEAD FWD Summit

No packing your bags, waiting in airport security lines or booking hotel rooms. This year, the LEAD FWD Summit will continue to be open to more community bankers than ever thanks to its virtual format. It’s time to expand what you know about leadership, technology and more.
January 19, 2023 | Independent Banker  

OCC details civil money penalty adjustment

The OCC issued a bulletin on its adjustment to the maximum amount of each civil money penalty within its jurisdiction.
January 18, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA updates advocacy dashboard with top priorities

ICBA updated its “Advocacy in Action” government relations dashboard for the first quarter with the latest community banking advocacy successes and priorities.
January 17, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Advocacy 

ICBA Offers New Digital Transformation Series to Support Community Banks in their Innovation Journeys

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) announced a series of curriculum-driven events as part of its expanded ICBA ThinkTECH innovation programming.
January 17, 2023 | Press Release   Technology 

‘Tell Your Story’ Toolkit offers resources for 2023

ICBA’s complimentary "Tell Your Story" Marketing Communications Toolkit offers new and updated resources to help community banks plan for the year ahead.
January 17, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Marketing 

FinCEN issues alert on human smuggling at southwest border

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network issued an alert to support financial institutions in detecting financial activity related to human smuggling along the southwest border of the United States.
January 17, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

FinCEN requests comment on beneficial ownership information reporting

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network today is slated to request public comments on two notices related to beneficial ownership information reporting, with comments due by March 20.
January 17, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Technology Fintech Regulation 

ICBA Names Chris Gully Assistant Vice President of Member Relations

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the hire of Chris Gully as assistant vice president of member relations. In this role he will work with ICBA’s member relationship officers to educate existing and prospective members about the benefits of ICBA and how the association helps community banks achieve their business goals and objectives.
January 13, 2023 | News  

OCC issues revised fair lending booklet

The OCC issued a revised version of the “Fair Lending” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook.
January 13, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA, state groups meet with Treasury on key issues

ICBA and affiliated state community banking associations met this week with Treasury Department officials to discuss BSA/AML compliance, Corporate Transparency Act implementation, the impact of de-risking the financial system on financial inclusion, and other issues.
January 13, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Department of Treasury 

House Financial Services subcommittee chairs named

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) announced the panel’s subcommittees, chairs, and jurisdiction for the 118th Congress.
January 13, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Congressional Matters 

CFPB proposes nonbank registry of form contract terms

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a rule to establish a public registry of supervised nonbanks’ terms and conditions in “take it or leave it” form contracts.
January 12, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA Announces Nominations for 2023-24 Board of Directors

The Independent Community Bankers of America today announced the nominees to serve on its 2023-24 board of directors.
January 12, 2023 | Press Release  

USDA expands eligibility for emergency programs

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency expanded eligibility and enhanced available benefits for several programs that provide support following natural disasters.
January 11, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Agriculture Climate Risk 

Fed’s Bowman: Regulators shouldn’t hinder crypto innovation

Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman said that while crypto-assets can pose significant risks to consumers and the financial system, regulators should avoid hindering innovation.
January 11, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Digital Assets Technology 

Powell: Fed climate responsibilities narrow

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed has narrow responsibilities regarding climate-related financial risks, while broader climate policies should be made by elected officials.
January 11, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Climate 

Register for ICBA LIVE 2023: the Largest Networking Event for the Nation’s Community Bankers

Register today for the Independent Community Bankers of America’s (ICBA) national convention, ICBA LIVE 2023 — the largest, most comprehensive educational event for the nation’s community bankers.
January 10, 2023 | Press Release  

CFPB planning ‘pre-rule’ overdraft activity: agenda

The Biden Administration’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs published the regulatory agencies’ fall 2022 rulemaking agenda.
January 06, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA to SBA: Don’t Add Unregulated Fintechs to Federal Loan Program

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) reiterated its call for the Small Business Administration to maintain its long-standing moratorium on the number of non-federally regulated institutions, including nonbank fintech companies, that can make loans under its 7(a) program.
January 06, 2023 | Press Release   Technology Fintech Regulation 

CFPB accepting HMDA data submissions

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said its filing period for Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data collected in 2022 opened on Jan. 1. Submissions will be considered timely if received on or before Wednesday, March 1.
January 05, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

GSE Form 1103, fair lending requirements effective March 1

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are reminding lenders that they will require the Supplemental Consumer Information Form (Form 1103) for new conventional loans with application dates on or after March 1.
January 05, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

Banking agencies issue new crypto guidance

Federal banking regulators issued a statement highlighting key crypto risks for banking organizations and describing the agencies’ approaches to supervision in this area.
January 04, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

ICBA/Travelers Deliver 21st Consecutive Dividend for Participating Community Banks

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today announced the 21st consecutive dividend for community banks participating in the Travelers ICBA insurance program’s Policyholder Safety Group Dividend plan.
January 04, 2023 | Press Release  

Bolton: Wells Fargo penalty reflects too-big-to-fail plague

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s latest penalty against Wells Fargo Bank reflects the unfortunate fact that the too-big-to-fail problem is alive and well, ICBA Chairman Brad Bolton wrote in an op-ed on LinkedIn.
January 03, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Too-Big-To-Fail/Systemic Risk 

CFPB updates TILA thresholds

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a final rule amending the official interpretations for Regulation Z, which implements the Truth in Lending Act, to update the dollar amounts of various thresholds that it must adjust annually.
January 03, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

CFPB adjusts asset-size thresholds

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued three annual threshold adjustment final rules.
January 03, 2023 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Compliance 

First Reliance Bank's adoption benefits

To help ease the process, First Reliance Bank offers assistance for associates who welcome a foster or adopted child into their family.
January 02, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Union Savings Bank’s tech touch

By partnering with fintechs, Union Savings Bank has rolled out an innovative digital tool that uses AI to help customers achieve financial wellbeing.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Out of Office: Adrianne Brignac-Gradney

For the past eight years, the vice president and branch manager at $888 million-asset Evangeline Bank and Trust Company in Ville Platte, La., has been creating beauty, lifestyle and banking content on social media.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Member Benefits: Fighting elder financial exploitation

Billions of dollars are lost to elder financial exploitation each year. Equip your team with the skills needed to protect your customers.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Compliance 

Lindsay LaNore: A new year’s reading list

In a rapidly evolving world, it’s more important than ever to commit to lifelong learning, but it’s just as challenging to make time for it.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Charles Potts: Innovation trends for 2023

As we turn the page to a new year, the innovation evolution continues. ICBA is leaning into it, bringing its ThinkTECH Accelerator program and innovation efforts in-house to provide community bankers with targeted solutions.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Jim Reber: Shop talk 2023

To start the year, let's listen in on a conversation with our consummate community banker.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Aaron Stetter: Welcome, new members of Congress

As new members find their footing on Capitol Hill, learning the ins and outs of their new roles, ICBA is there to help them understand the strength of community banks and the critical role they play in economic prosperity in the U.S.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Advocacy 

Brad M. Bolton: Our greatest assets

One of our greatest assets is our reputation as relationship bankers. When things get tough, people want to be able to talk to their banker.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Adapting lending practices during a recession

Many lenders are looking for ways to mitigate risk and ease economic burden for their customers amid a predicted recession. Three community bank lenders share their advice for lending during an economic downturn.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Lending 

Compliance changes to watch in 2023

From new fee practices to peer-to-peer fraud, keep an eye on what regulatory changes could be developing in the new year.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Compliance 

5 payments trends you should know about

The payments landscape is evolving, and customers’ needs are changing. Here’s how community banks can enhance their payments offerings.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Payments 

Expanding horizons with cross-country branches

Community banks across the nation are breaking into markets outside their typical areas of operation. Here’s how four banks are successfully finding new locations, acquiring new customers and bringing convenience to existing ones.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

CEO Roundtable: Ideas for a successful 2023

We recently spoke with community bank CEOs from across the country to gain insights on how they’re proactively positioning to manage risks and take advantage of growth opportunities in the coming year.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Enhancing content with AI

From grammar suggestions to content ideation, artificial intelligence has evolved to be an asset for marketing industries. Learn how AI can enhance the work of community banks’ marketing teams of all sizes.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker   Growing the Community 

What are power skills?

The skills needed to succeed in the workplace are changing, with companies placing greater value on soft skills like communication and leadership. In response, community banks have an opportunity to revisit hiring policies and training programs.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

7 smart strategies during economic uncertainty

In the face of a possible recession, preparation and proactivity are key to making the most of economic uncertainty. Consultants, community bank leaders and other industry observers provide their tips for tightening up your community bank’s finances, increasing revenue streams and preparing customers for what’s ahead.
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

How To Boost your CRA Efforts with Zogo

SPONSORED | In an ever-changing digital age, don’t keep your CRA programs analog. Zogo’s mobile-first solution can help you modernize your approach. Read to learn how digital-first financial education can boost your CRA efforts!
January 01, 2023 | Independent Banker  

Romero Rainey: ICBA, community bankers stand together in 2022

ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said ICBA and community bankers this year proved once again to be effective advocates in Washington.
December 23, 2022 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Community Bank Awareness Interchange Lending 

Boston Fed, MIT end CBDC research project

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and MIT concluded their joint Project Hamilton research project into the technical feasibility of a potential U.S. central bank digital currency.
December 23, 2022 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Digital Assets Technology 

Toomey bill would allow Fed master accounts for stablecoin issuers

Retiring Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) introduced legislation on stablecoin regulation, contributing to the debate over crypto oversight that will resume during the next Congress.
December 23, 2022 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Digital Assets 

ICBA response to New York climate proposal making news

ICBA’s pushback against New York State Department of Financial Services proposed guidance on climate risk is making headlines.
December 23, 2022 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Climate 

ICBA pledges to ensure community bank voice is heard on FDIC board

Following the Senate confirmation of FDIC board members, including FDIC Acting Chairman Martin Gruenberg’s nomination for chairman, ICBA released a statement pledging to work with the officials on behalf of the nation’s community banks.
December 21, 2022 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Community Bank Awareness 

ICBA to Congress: CDFI Fund proposal would harm communities

ICBA and other groups requested a meeting with members of Congress to discuss a Treasury Department proposal that would reduce access to services provided by Community Development Financial Institutions Fund-certified depository institutions.
December 21, 2022 | ICBA NewsWatch Today   Department of Treasury 

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